Famed trombonist takes stage at ECC Saturday

Submitted by Elgin Community College

Trombonist Mark Bettcher will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at the Elgin Community College Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. In addition to performing an eclectic array of jazz standards and favorites from his recent CDs, Bettcher will premier several new compositions based on the classic movie “Casablanca.”

A music educator and professional musician in the Chicago area since 1981, Bettcher has been teaching in Community Unit District 300 for 30 years and has been ECC jazz program director for 25 years. His student jazz bands have won numerous competitions and are well-known throughout the area.

Bettcher has performed with some of the top names in jazz and pop music including Tony Bennett, Jon Williams, Louis Bellson, Slide Hampton, Ramsey Lewis, Gladys Knight, and the Temptations. He has toured with Phil Collins throughout the United States and Europe, recording a live CD in Paris. His recordings with the Frank Mantooth Orchestra have received multiple Grammy nominations.

Tickets are $25 and are available online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC box office in the arts center. Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone, call (847) 622-0300.